Assessment at Odyssey
Measuring Growth
Assignments, assessments, and grades provide valuable feedback about what a student is learning and how they are progressing. With this information, teachers and administrators can monitor teaching and learning and make adjustments to ensure every student has the foundational skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
OCS uses a combination of state assessments, nationally normed benchmarks, adaptive learning platforms, and Greek language proficiency certifications to measure growth across all programs and grade levels.
Top 20% in Delaware
- OCS ranks in the top 20% of all public schools in Delaware for combined math and reading proficiency.
- OCS students score an average math proficiency of 44% compared to the state average of 31%.
- Reading proficiency is 58% compared to the statewide average of 42%.
Assessments by Type
State Assessments
Mandated standardized tests that measure overall school and student performance against state benchmarks.
Smarter Balanced (SB)
The primary state assessment for English Language Arts and Mathematics. Delivered online each spring and uses Common Core State Standards benchmarks to allow comparison of student achievement across schools, districts, and participating states.
Administered in spring to students in Grades 3-8, High School Biology, and 11th Grade Social Studies.
DeSSA
Delaware System of Student Assessments.
Social Studies through-year testing is administered in Grades 4–8 (Grades 5/7 in Fall/Spring; Grades 4/6/8 in Fall/Winter/Spring). Science is administered in Grades 5 and 8 in the Spring.
College Readiness
Programs and assessments designed to prepare high school students for post-secondary success.
Advanced Placement (AP)
High school students who complete college level AP courses are encouraged to sit for the corresponding AP exam. Strong scores may exempt students from equivalent college courses.
AP courses include Calculus, Statistics, English, Biology, AP African American History, and Music Theory.
Note
Students must enroll in AP Classroom online within the first two weeks of school and order their AP exam by October 30. Scholarships available for families with demonstrated financial need.
SAT and PSAT
The SAT measures high school student readiness for college and provides colleges with a common data point for comparing applicants.
PSAT administered to all Grades 9/10 in fall. SAT administered to all Grade 11 in spring.
Note
OCS partners with Methodize Learning to provide SAT preparation built directly into the school schedule at no cost to students.
Dual Enrollment
OCS students have the opportunity to enroll in college level courses and earn college credit through partnerships with the University of Delaware and Delaware Technical Community College.
Students who successfully complete dual enrollment courses earn both high school and college credit.
Note
Students are responsible for the cost of dual enrollment courses and associated materials.
Progress Monitoring
Ongoing assessments that give our educators real-time actionable data to personalize instruction.
iReady
An adaptive online learning platform that provides personalized instruction and assessments in reading and math. It helps students build essential skills at their own pace and gives teachers real time data.
Used across all grade levels as an ongoing progress monitoring tool.
NAEP
The National Assessment of Educational Progress provides a national snapshot of student achievement and is used by policymakers and educators to track progress over time.
Select students in Grades 4 and 8 participate in NAEP during the 2025 to 2026 school year.
Specialized Certifications
Certifications that demonstrate proficiency in specific subjects or languages.
Ellinomatheia Certification
Ellinomatheia exams are the official worldwide Greek language proficiency certification developed by the Center for the Greek Language. OCS is an officially designated Examination Center.
Students may sit for exams starting in middle school. Preparation classes are provided at no cost.
Note
B1 and above certification can be applied toward college credits and the Delaware Certificate of Multiliteracy.
Questions About Assessment at OCS?
If you have questions about any assessment your child is participating in, our assessment team is here to help. Contact us using the information below instead of submitting a form for the fastest response.
Juliana Sheehan
Assessment Coordinator
Ready to Learn More?
Assessment is just one part of the OCS academic experience. Explore what learning looks like at every grade level and discover our immersive programs.